The Romelio​ Martínez stadium in Barranquilla will remain​ unavailable for Junior FC⁣ home⁣ games in the immediate​ future.⁣ Antonio Char Chaljub, president of Junior FC, confirmed on November 27,⁤ 2025, that the ‌super League ‍final – the first​ official match for the team in 2026 – will be played‌ at the Estadio Roberto meléndez Metropolitan as reported by El Heraldo.

This decision precedes a planned expansion⁢ and extensive renovation of the Romelio ⁤Martínez stadium, often referred⁢ to ⁣as the “Citadel.” ‍The stadium ⁣will close promptly following the ⁣Super League final to facilitate the construction work.

While it was initially anticipated that‌ Junior FCS 3-0‌ victory ⁤against Deportes Tolima on⁤ November 24, 2025, in the first leg of ‍the Liga II 2025 final would ​be the last match played ‍at the Metropolitan⁤ with ​its current⁣ capacity according ⁤to El ⁣Heraldo, ⁤the club’s leadership opted to stage the upcoming Super league final at ⁢their traditional ‍home⁤ to maximize ticket revenue.

Impact on Santa Fe and the Super League Schedule

The decision to host ⁤the‌ Super League final at the Metropolitan Stadium raises questions about fairness in the Super ‍League series. Traditionally, the team with the better regular-season⁤ record hosts the second ‍leg of the ​Super League final. As‍ Santa Fe ‌finished ⁤with a superior record, they ⁢were expected to host the decisive match. Playing both legs at⁢ the Metropolitan effectively denies Santa ⁣Fe a home-field advantage.

This situation highlights the complexities of scheduling and venue allocation in Colombian football, particularly⁣ when ‍stadium renovations are ⁣involved. The league organizers and Junior FC‌ will need ​to address concerns about ⁣competitive equity ‌to ‍ensure a fair outcome for both teams.

Romelio Martínez⁢ Stadium Renovation Details

The Romelio Martínez stadium has been a ⁣long-standing source of pride⁢ for Junior FC fans, but its aging infrastructure‍ requires significant ‍upgrades. ​The renovation project aims to‍ modernize the stadium, ​increase its capacity, and enhance the‌ overall fan experience.Specific details about the renovation plan, including the scope of work, timeline, and ⁢budget, have not ⁤been fully disclosed as of ⁢November 28, 2025.

However, ​it is expected⁢ that the renovation will include:

• Increased seating⁤ capacity
• Improved VIP facilities
• Modernized restrooms and ⁣concessions
• Enhanced security measures
• Installation ‍of ⁣a ​new playing surface

The renovation is a significant investment in the future of Junior FC​ and the ‌city of Barranquilla, promising a state-of-the-art ​stadium that can host ⁢major national and ‍international events.

Timeline and Expected Return

While a precise completion date for the Romelio Martínez renovation remains unknown, Junior FC anticipates being able to return to‌ their home stadium sometime in ⁢2026. the duration of the‌ project will ‌depend‌ on the complexity of the​ work and ⁤any unforeseen delays. The club has not yet announced alternative venues for home games during the renovation period, but ⁤the Estadio Roberto Meléndez Metropolitan will likely continue to serve as their​ primary home ground.